Texas Lyre Snake
Trimorphodon vilkinsonii
This snake grows up to 460 – 760 mm in total length. Although the longest recorded length is 1,040 mm. They have about 23 rows of dorsal scales. These are smooth and pres…
How to identify
This snake grows up to 460 – 760 mm in total length. Although the longest recorded length is 1,040 mm. They have about 23 rows of dorsal scales. These are smooth and present at its mid-body. Also, these snakes are the only ones in Texas with a lorilabial scale in the middle of the loreal and upper labial scales. This specie has elliptical pupils. As regards their colouration, their dorsum is grey with about 21 brown crossbands on their trunks. These are also saddle-shaped and light coloured in the centre. The interspace distance is usually double the width of its crossbands. 1 – 3 brown spots are present on their heads or occasionally an incomplete V-shaped lyre. Also present is a row of dark spots at the dorsal or ventral scale contact.
Range
This snake can be found in the United States. This involves ranges across southern New Mexico, then to the far west Texas and in Sonora and Chihuahua Mexico.
Habitat
They live in rocky habitats usually hillsides and mountain slopes. They are primarily a nocturnal specie. They also have venom which is used to immobilize their prey. Not much is known on their reproduction, but the females give birth to their eggs in the early summer. Lastly, their diet comprises of little mice, bats and lizards.
Similar species
The Western Lyresnake or the Trimorphodon biscutatus are moderate-sized snakes that grow to about 1,000 mm. They are mostly brown, tan or grey. This background colour is then marked by dark brown blotching on its back. The Sonoran Lyresnake or The Trimorphodon lambda are medium-sized snakes that grow to about 1,026 mm. They are light grey-brown or grey. They have a dark bar which crosses the middle of their eyes. The California Lyresnake or The Trimorphodon lyrophanes grow up to about 460 – 1,210 mm. They have a broad head with a slender body. They have vertical pupils.
Name and etymology
Vilkinsonii: Honoring Edward Wilkinson.
At a glance
Range
This snake can be found in the United States. This involves ranges across southern New Mexico, then to the far west Texas and…
Habitat
They live in rocky habitats usually hillsides and mountain slopes. They are primarily a nocturnal specie. They also have veno…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap